COVID-19 Current Information

Update as of April 17, 2020

Friends of the Rescue Mission,

I want to share with you an update on how the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission is doing at the moment. We praise the Lord we know of no cases of COVID-19 among our residents and staff. We attribute this to God’s mercy, diligent safety measures applied by staff and compliance of our residents. We received a very positive report after a recent walk-through by the county’s Public Health Department.

We continue to operate both our 90 day and 1 Year programs. We are also still feeding the community through our Food Pantry which is open at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. We have also setup a concessions trailer in our parking lot to safety provide “to-go meals” for breakfast, lunch and dinner to the community.

Like many other businesses throughout our area, our Thrift Store is closed to the public. However, we are taking calls and making a list of future donation pick-ups once our store reopens. We will have a good surplus of mattress sets and many other items for sale once the store reopens.

If you remember when the virus began to reach the United States, our nation’s leaders were addressing the situation as a war against COVID-19. This has been the case on many levels that have affected our nation as a whole. Having a loss of income with our Thrift store being closed, we are relying more than ever on your generous contributions. During this war against COVID-19, we are still here fighting a spiritual war for the souls of men in our programs and our community at large. We are still here fighting for these souls using God’s spiritual weapons to help others have victory over sin and death through the gospel of Jesus Christ!

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” (2 Cor. 10:4).

We thank you, our friends who continue to send in faithful gifts. We also want to thank the many individuals and churches who have graciously helped with needs of the Mission. We so appreciate your prayers and whatever gifts the Lord stirs within your heart. Please remember the Mission at this time.

His servant,

Lou

Update as of April 2, 2020

Friends of the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission,

Hardly a moment goes by that COVID-19 is not on our minds and has affected every part of our lives.

We currently have no cases of the virus among our residents, as our limited but dedicated staff have implemented prescribed measures and educated our residents to reduce exposure risk. Like most all of us having to stay mainly at home, the residents are very limited in their activities and restricted to our property, with their home being the Rescue Mission and protection against COVID-19.

We are very thankful to our supporting churches who are reaching out to us wanting to be an encouragement to our residents by providing snacks, supplies and non-perishable foods.

We continue operating 24/7 feeding, sheltering and teaching our residents to stay focused on the Lord Who is in absolute control of everything and has good plans for them. It was a blessing having a resident tell me today, “you (staff) are doing an excellent job through this time. This program is really doing great things for me. I feel God working in my life-thanks so much.” This reminded me even in the midst of COVID-19 the Lord is working and lives are being transformed.

We all need to be careful with our money during this time of uncertainty and so many having lost their jobs or businesses. So, we thank you for remembering the Rescue Mission with what you are able to give, as we continue trusting the Lord to supply both your needs and ours.

The Lord told us in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” We cannot be moved or shaken when the Lord is our foundation! Although COVID-19 has changed the way we function, God has not changed and remains faithful and true!

If you desire to help the Mission, along with financial gifts we need your prayers and the following items:

Bars of soap

Vitamins

Cough drops

Tylenol

Canned vegetables

Bottled water

Potatoes

Breakfast meats

Granola/breakfast bars

Originally Posted March 23, 2020

Dear Friends and Partners of the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission,

I’m reaching out to let you know how the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of today, no known cases of the coronavirus have been reported at the Rescue Mission among staff or residents and we’re praying it will continue to stay this way. We are working with the Forsyth County Public Health Department, Winston-Salem Homeless Council, Citygate Network, City, State and Government officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate measures to reduce the risk of exposure.

We have developed an emergency response plan to include:

Suspension of all volunteer opportunities to include individuals and groups

Restriction of residents to our campus

A quarantine area is set up and ready as a precaution

The number of residents in our dining room is limited to 10 at a time

Residents will be checked twice a day for COVID-19 symptoms

Class size will be reduced and the six foot rule will be implemented

Residents & staff were informed and will be reminded regularly of proper handwashing procedures and what to do if they develop symptoms

Extra cleaning / sanitizing is taking place on a daily basis

Our food pantry will remain open; however, food will be pre-boxed and handed to clients curbside by staff equipped with facemasks and gloves.

I ask you to pray. We need your prayers. WSRM is a service ministry and we are committed to serve those who come to us in need as long as the Lord allows. Many in our community are feeling desperate and afraid and have nowhere else to turn. Our staff is becoming stretched and so are our resources. We need your help. These are trying times and I ask you pray and give as you are able. We are still in the business of providing meals, shelter and recovery programs to those in our community and we fear that these uncertain times will create a decrease in giving at a time when it’s needed most.

Pray for our staff, residents and resources. Ask God how you can help. We are trusting Him and looking to Him to show himself faithful during these unsettling times.

“Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Exodus 14:13

In His Service,

Lou Carrico

Interim Executive Director

WHAT IS THE WINSTON-SALEM RESCUE MISSION?

We are a non-denominational Christian ministry meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hurting people in the Triad area, so that we may proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring glory to God.